AgriLife Extension names new agents, program specialists and managers

Coffman, of Belleville, Illinois, earned her bachelor’s in biochemistry at Baylor University and her master’s in biotechnology at the University of Houston. She spent last year working with Texas A&M AgriLife Research on soil health at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center at Overton. She is excited to start her new position and work with local landowners to help them achieve their personal goals by providing scientifically sound information and resources. Coffman said she is committed to making science accessible and relevant to all audiences. Although she did not participate in 4-H, she said she is eager to get involved. “I am passionate about helping build strong communities through education, personal connection and sustainable agricultural practices that benefit landowners,” Coffman said.

Hoover, of Midland, earned his bachelor’s in animal science at the University of Nebraska and is currently working on his master’s in animal science at Angelo State University. He has worked for multiple sheep producers and recently worked for Angelo State University on the university ranch. Hoover grew up showing sheep and goats, shooting archery and judging livestock in Midland County. He later attended South Plains Community College on a judging scholarship and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. “AgriLife Extension is an amazing opportunity for me to help advise and create tomorrow’s leaders and agriculturists,” he said.

May, of Dudley, earned a bachelor‘s in animal science/pre-veterinary medicine at Abilene Christian University. He worked for the Texas Boll Weevil Eradication Foundation, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, and, for the past 20 years, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service. May grew up showing steers and swine with the Clyde High School FFA and Callahan County 4-H chapter. In FFA, he was a member of the State Dairy Foods Team. In college, May was a member of the Livestock Judging Team and the Soils Team. “I’m passionate about agriculture and natural resources and want to help people be successful on their land,” May said.

Smith, of Vanderbilt, earned his bachelor’s in agribusiness-ranch management at Texas A&M University-Kingsville. During college, he worked for the King Ranch for three years as a cowboy on the Santa Gertrudis division and a year as the assistant manager of a hunting camp on the Encino division. After graduation, he managed multiple cattle operations in South and Central Texas and built his family’s direct-to-consumer beef operation. He also trains quarter horses. As a 4-Her, he participated in shooting sports, livestock judging and county fair ambassador programs. “I look forward to applying my accrued knowledge toward serving my community in every way possible,” Smith said.

Sugg, of Henderson, earned her bachelor’s in animal science and is completing her master’s in agricultural leadership, education and communications at Texas A&M University. For the past three years, she has been the 4-H youth development program assistant in Brazos County. Sugg grew up involved in 4-H, exhibiting sheep and goats and participating in leadership and community service projects. She is passionate about helping youth discover their potential through hands-on learning and leadership experiences. “I’ve seen firsthand the impact 4-H can have on a young person’s confidence and character, and I want to be part of helping create those same opportunities for others,” Sugg said.

York, of San Angelo, earned his associate’s in construction management from Texas State Technical College and a bachelor’s from Tarleton State University School of Engineering in construction management. York has worked with livestock producers and show families for the past eight years. He also worked as a fabricator, serving the rural community for the past four years. York grew up in 4-H, showing different livestock projects, participating in shooting sports and serving on the youth 4-H board. York said he is passionate about serving the community and growing the 4-H program in Pecos County. “My passion comes from trying to build a future for agriculture and getting the next generation involved in agriculture,” he said.

Crump, of Gilmore, earned an Associate of Applied Science in Paramedicine at North Texas Community College and completed the Kilgore College Fire Academy. He earned a bachelor‘s in agricultural business from East Texas A&M University and is currently completing a master’s in clinical mental health counseling at Lamar University in Beaumont. A 2025 Multicultural Cowboy Hall of Fame inductee and H-E-B Teacher of the Year nominee, Crump has over a decade of experience spanning education, emergency services and public safety. He takes pride in mentoring young people and promoting the values of hard work, respect and perseverance. Crump said he is passionate about disaster response, community preparedness and the mental health of people after a crisis.

Davies, of Austin, earned her bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M and her master’s in public health from Tulane University. She was previously employed at the Texas Department of Transportation as a traffic safety specialist and at Baylor Scott and White – Hillcrest Medical Center in Waco as a community education specialist. Davies also worked for AGE of Central Texas, a regional non-profit in Austin, coordinating its educational program, CaregiverU. She has over 10 years of experience providing education to seniors across Texas. “Working with seniors, who have given us so much over the years, to help them maintain their independence and age gracefully is a privilege,” Davies said.

Hicks, of Clinton, Illinois, earned her bachelor’s in agriculture from West Texas A&M University. She spent the past three years serving as the family and community health agent in Ellis County, leading educational programs that promoted healthy living, chronic disease prevention, senior wellness and child passenger safety. She said she has always been passionate about serving her community and supporting programs that empower families. “When it comes to my work in passenger safety, I love seeing the lightbulb moments with parents,” Hicks said. “Giving them the support, education and knowledge to take home for their children to continue riding safely in the car as they grow is one of the best rewards of the job.”

Maniscalco, of Cypress, earned her bachelor’s in agricultural leadership and development and master’s in agricultural leadership, education, and communications at Texas A&M. Over the past two years, she served as a student worker in the AgriLife Extension Director’s Office and completed internships with the AgriLife Extension office in Brazos County and the Disaster Assessment and Recovery Unit. Maniscalco grew up immersed in the agricultural industry and is passionate about helping Texas prepare for disasters and support recovery efforts when they strike. “After personally experiencing Hurricane Harvey, I’m driven to ensure Texas communities are more prepared and resilient than I ever was,” she said.

Matthews, of Uvalde, earned her bachelor’s in international relations from Mary Baldwin University and her master’s in public administration from Park University, with a specialization in disaster and emergency management. She has more than a decade of experience in emergency management and disaster preparedness. She is a military veteran, having served as a chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear specialist with expertise in contingency operations and hazardous materials response. Driven by a commitment to sustainability and resilience, Matthews said she works to empower communities to better prepare for, withstand, and recover from disasters.

Turner, of Vernon, earned her bachelor’s in nutrition from Texas Tech University. She has worked in community education throughout her life, including for the Texas Department of Agriculture and as a private consultant. She joined AgriLife Extension’s Better Living for Texans in Johnson County and has transitioned to the Mature Driver Program. Turner grew up in the 4-H program, participating in food and nutrition, accessory design, livestock judging and leadership. She said she is most excited about continuing to reach and teach community members with the Mature Driver Program to ensure their safety while driving.